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50 Things to do in Kingston: March Edition

Another month, another list of 50 things to do in Kingston! This month’s list includes performances by some great Canadians, the mother of all maple syrup festivals, some awesome community events, and plenty of musical performances! Without further ado – and in no particular order – here’s the list!

Theatre + Live Performances

1. Leave yourself pondering the effects of social media with the performance of Late Company at The Grand Theatre (March 2 – 6)
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3. Glimpse into the life of childhood friends with Gruesome Playground Injuries, presented by Commonplace Theatre (March 17)

Music

4. Join bartender Heather Gardiner for Hip-Hop Sundays at The Toucan! (Every Sunday)
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6. Experience one of the world’s top taiko drumming groups, Yamato the Drummers of Japan, as they perform their show “Bakoun” – Legend of the Heartbeat at The Grand Theatre (March 3)
7. Come to The Isabel for Soundstreams Canada with special guest James MacMillan (March 4)
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9. Don’t miss The Sheepdogs at Alehouse! (March 9)
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11. Check out Juno award nominee Matt Andersen perform at The Grand Theatre (March 10)
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13. Join Autorickshaw on a journey around the world to experience a taste of Bollywood at The Isabel (March 12)
14. Spend a magical night at The Isabel for Fairytales and More (March 13)
15. Head to The Isabel for House of Dreams, presented by Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra (March 15)
16. Let yourself get caught up in Abbamania with the world’s number one production of ABBA, accompanied by Night Fever performing as the Bee Gees, live at The Grand Theatre (March 19 – 20)
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18. Grab tickets for The Lights on The Horizon Tour, featuring Canadian indie rock icons Metric, and Alternative group Death Cab for Cutie playing at the K-Rock Centre (March 20)
19. Head to The Grad Club for The Zolas (March 22)
20. Experience Afro-Cuban jazz music with pianist Aldo López-Gavilán at The Isabel. A portion of the funds from this event will go to the Sonia Enjamio Fund at Queen’s University to support Cuban and Canadian student exchange programs (March 23)
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22. Don’t miss The High Streets, a trio of friends who banded together while on a trip in Amsterdam, playing at Tir Nan Og (March 25)
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24. Come to the Isabel to watch the Queen’s Wind Ensemble join forces with McGill for an unforgettable night of music (March 31)

Events

25. Play some pool and grab a pint with your friends at Pool & Pint Mondays at The Grizzly Grill (Every Monday)
26. Celebrate Heritage Day with the India-Canada Association of Kingston at The Grand Theatre for a day full of dance, drama, and vocal performances (March 5)
27. Listen to Don Chapman speak about his personal battles to change Canada’s citizenship laws affecting WWII brides and their children, First Nations people, WWII veterans, and children born on Canadian military bases abroad. This is part of the Live Speakers Series at the Kingston Frontenac Public Library, Central Branch (March 8)
28. Don’t miss out on King Con, Kingston’s own convention celebrating science fiction, fantasy, gaming, and comic books! Held at the Kingston Frontenac Library Central Branch, there’s a ton of events and programming to check out throughout the weekend! (March 11 – 13)
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30. Head to the Ambassador Hotel for Rail-O-Rama (March 12 – 13)
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Community

32. Join the Women’s Arts and Craft Fair at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada (March 5)
33. Come see the City of Kingston greenhouse in full bloom for spring during their Open House! (March 6)
34. Walk in the Queen’s Relay for Life to support the Canadian Cancer Society (March 11)
35. Support the Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area at their Foundation Bake Sale (March 19)
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37. Get your kids involved with the community through the Kids for Kids Annual Hockey Tournament! It takes place at various arenas around the city, and is in support of the Boys and Girls Club Fund and The University Hospital Foundation at Kingston General Hospital (March 24 – 26)

Wine + Food

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39. Looking for breakfast at 1pm? You’re in luck! Head to Pan Chancho for their All Day Breakfast! (Every day)
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41. What’s better than delicious Italian food? Delicious Italian food accompanied by live jazz music! Head to Olivea for Tuesday Night Jazz (Every Tuesday)

The Arts

42. Head to the Agnes Etherington Art Centre for a lecture by Queen’s graduate Ciara Phillips. Followed by a reception, this is a great opportunity to meet and learn more about the work of a leading artist (March 3)
43. Check out the exhibit Re-mixed: Reconfiguring the Imaginary at the Union Gallery (Until March 19)
44. Come see EPIC Moment: a selection of posters and video screening in support of prison justice at the Union Gallery (Until March 19)
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46. Check out the various performances going on at The Union Gallery for their Performing Pedagogies series (March 15)
47. Immerse yourself in the creative process by working with your artistic peers to create artwork, and then critique each other’s at a Work/Crit session at The Tett (March 23)
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Sports & Outdoors

49. See some amazing talent at the Ontario Fencing Association Provincial Championships, being hosted at the Royal Military College (March 5 – 6)
50. Cheer on the Kingston Frontenacs at the K Rock Centre! (March 11, 12, 18, 19)

Be sure to check back next month for 50 things to do in Kingston in April!

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Exploring Winter the Old Way… by Snowshoe!

We all knew it would come, it always does. And while many of us enjoyed the mild start to winter (my Facebook feed was littered with friends still riding bikes, driving with the windows down, and paddling over Christmas break – I even had one friend who went for a swim on Christmas Day!) I think I speak for many when I say we are all (secretly) excited that snow has arrived.

My son went out to the shed this morning to retrieve his snowshoes, as his class had plans to snowshoe around the school yard. I asked him to pull my own as well… I’m off today, and I’ve been anxious to strap my snowshoes onto my new winter boots.

Traditionally made of wood that was heated by steam or soaking and formed into round (or oval-like) shapes, snowshoes date back thousands of years (even before the invention of the wheel!). Sinew or rawhide was used to create a latticework between the frame (so that snow would not accumulate on the shoe) and the user’s foot (boot) was then tied to the snowshoe. Snowshoes allowed our ancestors to “float” over the snow to explore and find food in the winter.

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Fresh powder flipping up!

The modern snowshoe sees the wood replaced with lightweight aluminum, and the rawhide has been replaced with plastic.  The harness (where your boot goes) has the ability to tighten around a variety of different sized feet, and many snowshoes are now also equipped with crampons; often stainless steel “teeth” built into the bottom to offer traction, especially on hilly terrain or icy conditions. Snowshoes come in a variety of sizes (determined based on your weight) and for different purposes!

Snowshoeing is a popular sport that is easy for just about anyone (if you can walk you can snowshoe!). I’m happy to share with you some of my favourite spaces to explore:

  1. Cataraqui Conservation Authority boasts a few conservation areas in the Kingston area: Little Cataraqui Creek offers hourly snowshoe rentals, and many easy trails ranging from about 2km to 7km in length. Lemoine Point is right in town and on a bus route, and offers a large field to try out deeper snowy conditions, as well as an 11km trail system. Further out of town, head to Gould Lake, for some backcountry experiences.
  2. Frontenac Provincial Park: For a real wilderness experience, head north of town to explore backcountry trails, offering a variety of lengths and difficulty. There are also a few winter workshops available at the park’s visitor centre.
  3. Concerned about heading out on your own? Trailhead offers guided evening snowshoe hikes (the full moon night treks fill up fast!), and the fee includes use of snowshoes, guide and a treat by the campfire. They also rent snowshoes by the day.
  4. A new area has recently popped up, that I’m excited to share with you! MTB Kingston, our local mountain bike club, is opening up their trails for winter use. Offering a network of trails (including groomed trails for classic and skate skiing, AND fat biking!) this is an area close to town, but truly feels “off the grid”. Membership fees to apply, and you can visit their website for details.
  5. If you’re a runner and would like to try out a sport that’s growing in popularity, snowshoe running, Spafford Health & Adventure offers clinics/coaching and a popular race series for you to experience!

I hope you take some time to strap on some snowshoes this winter, I promise you’ll love it!

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Exploring some back country trails.
Running or walking, snowshoeing is a great way to explore your favourite trails…..or better yet, off trail! Photo credit: Rob Whelan
Running or walking, snowshoeing is a great way to explore your favourite trails…..or better yet, off trail! Photo credit: Rob Whelan

 

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Ian Walsh Photography Winners Announced

The inaugural Ian Walsh Photography Competition has come to a close, with winners Suzy Lamont and Paige Palmer taking home top honours for their submissions at the awards ceremony held in Memorial Hall at City Hall on Wednesday night.
The theme of this year’s competition was Enjoying Kingston, and participants were asked to submit photos that captured the essence of the city. Nearly 100 photos were in contention for the top prizes in the Youth and Open categories – all with unique, authentic perspectives. The top three photos received prizes ranging from $100 to $2,500 – Paige Palmer, first place winner of the Student/Youth category, received $750 for her youthful submission, while Suzy Lamont, first place winner of the Open category received $2,500 for her winning photograph.

Suzy Lamont, second from right, is awarded $2,500 and has her photo taken with Kingston Life's editor Danielle Vandenbrink, and Kingston Accommodation Partners representatives William J Swan and Heather Ford, after her photo was chosen as the overall winner in the Open Category at the inaugural Ian Walsh Photography Competition award ceremony held in Memorial Hall in Kingston, Ont. on Wednesday February 10, 2016. Julia McKay/The Whig-Standard/Postmedia Network
Suzy Lamont, second from right, is awarded $2,500 and has her photo taken with Kingston Life’s editor Danielle Vandenbrink, and Kingston Accommodation Partners representatives William J Swan and Heather Ford, after her photo was chosen as the overall winner in the Open Category at the inaugural Ian Walsh Photography Competition award ceremony held in Memorial Hall in Kingston, Ont. on Wednesday February 10, 2016. Julia McKay/The Whig-Standard/Postmedia Network
Paige Palmer, second from left, is awarded $700 and has her photo taken with Kingston Life's editor Danielle Vandenbrink, and Kingston Accommodation Partners representatives William J Swan and Heather Ford, after her photo was chosen as the overall winner in the Student and Youth Category at the inaugural Ian Walsh Photography Competition award ceremony held in Memorial Hall in Kingston, Ont. on Wednesday February 10, 2016. Julia McKay/The Whig-Standard/Postmedia Network
Paige Palmer, second from left, is awarded $700 and has her photo taken with Kingston Life’s editor Danielle Vandenbrink, and Kingston Accommodation Partners representatives William J Swan and Heather Ford, after her photo was chosen as the overall winner in the Student and Youth Category at the inaugural Ian Walsh Photography Competition award ceremony held in Memorial Hall in Kingston, Ont. on Wednesday February 10, 2016. Julia McKay/The Whig-Standard/Postmedia Network

The Ian Walsh Photography Competition was established to honour a pillar of the Kingston community who was taken suddenly in 2014. With a generous spirit, good nature and gentle wit, Ian’s dedication and passion for the arts and the community of Kingston left a lasting impression on everyone he met. An accomplished business person, Ian was the co-owner of the Hotel Belvedere, charter Chair of Kingston Accommodation Partners, and a charter Board Member of Kingston WritersFest.

“It is through Ian’s passion and love from Kingston and the arts that we established this photo competition. We wanted a way to celebrate our friend who, sadly, left us too soon. We are thrilled with the interest from the community, with well over 200 entries showcasing the individual photographers’ interpretation of enjoying Kingston. Ian loved bringing community together.” – Murray Matheson, Executive Director of Kingston Accommodation Partners.

If you would like to see the nominated photos for yourself, an exhibition which has been on display since Feb. 4, will remain open in Memorial Hall until February 29.
The 2016 Ian Walsh Photography Competition will open March 1, 2016.

The Winners

Paige Palmer, Youth Category
Paige Palmer, Youth Category
Suzy Lamont, Open Category
Suzy Lamont, Open Category

The Finalists

Zubair Hossain, Youth Category
Zubair Hossain, Youth Category
Alison Darling, Open Category
Alison Darling, Open Category
Chalene Weir, Open Category
Chalene Weir, Open Category
Jason Kelly, Open Category
Jason Kelly, Open Category
John Geddes, Open Category
John Geddes, Open Category
Karen Dolan, Open Category
Karen Dolan, Open Category
Karen Dolan, Open Category
Karen Dolan, Open Category
Laura Meggs, Open Category
Laura Meggs, Open Category
Viara Mileva, Open Category
Viara Mileva, Open Category
Valeriia Bezgula, Youth Category
Valeriia Bezgula, Youth Category
Zubair Hossain, Youth Category
Zubair Hossain, Youth Category
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4 Can’t-Miss Claire Closet Workshops Over March Break

The Claire Closet has been celebrating young women through Eco Fashion, Art, and Youth Entrepreneurship while tackling social issues in Kingston for a few years now – providing workshops, mentorship, summer camps and community events for girls ages 10 – 25. Founded by the immensely talented (and one of the nicest people you could ever meet) Claire Bouvier, The Claire Closet‘s mission of “spreading the awesome” has gradually gained momentum across Kingston and has evolved into a refreshing series of workshops designed to ultimately teach teenage girls to be creative and eco-friendly with their personal styles, while developing their skills and passions.
Check out and register for one (or all) of these fantastic workshops before they book up!

Discovering Your Personal Beauty With Alyssa

personalbeauty

March 18, 2016 | For Grades 5-8 | $25.00

Join professional makeup artist Alyssa Courtney for a fun filled evening of glamour! You will have the opportunity to learn professional beauty secrets, including how to apply makeup to define your features, selecting the proper tools to make application a breeze, and what colours compliment you as an individual. Come and see how you can bring out your natural beauty and feel fabulous in the skin you’re in! Make sure you bring any brushes you have with you to the workshop, but don’t worry if you don’t have any!
There are two sessions for this workshop on March 18, 2016 at The Tett Centre in Kingston:

  • Grades 5 & 6 from 5:00 – 6:30pm
  • Grades 7 & 8 from 7:00 – 9:00pm

Eco Fashion Basics with Danielle

ecofashionbasics

March 18, 2015 | For Grades 5-8 | $25.00

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to appreciate old clothes as something new again. You’ll be working on up-cycling an item of clothing so it is new to you and more appropriate for the here and now. Some basic hand sewing skills will be taught while you are re-making your masterpieces All skill levels welcome!
There are two sessions for this workshop for March 18, 2016 at The Tett Centre in Kingston:

  • Grades 5 & 6 from 5:00 – 6:30pm
  • Grades 7 & 8 from 7:00 – 9:00pm

Intro to The Claire Closet

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March 18, 2016 | For Girls in Grades 3 – 5 | $10.00

Girls in grades 3 – 5 are welcome to join Claire Bouvier for an hour introduction to The Claire Closet! During this workshop, you’ll explore:

  • The importance of celebrating individuality and self expression through the arts, music and clothing; and
  • An introduction to techniques that foster balance, self confidence and healthy ways to tackling social issues.

This workshop runs on March 18, 2016 from 3:00 – 4:00pm at The Tett Centre in Kingston.

Photography and Styling with Claire

photography_styling

March 18, 2016 | For Grades 5 – 8 | $25.00

Claire Bouvier is excited to bring her love and experience of fashion and photography to you. This workshop will be dedicated to learning how to use whatever camera you have and getting an introduction to working on a professional fashion photoshoot. You will learn how to work with your subject, find the right composition, choose the best lighting and discover creative styling techniques. This workshop will give you the confidence to start your own photography shoots and become comfortable styling on set.
There are two sessions for this workshop on March 18, 2016 at The Tett Centre in Kingston:

  • Grades 5 & 6 at 5:00 – 6:30pm
  • Grades 7 & 8 at 7:00 – 9:00pm

For more information, or to register for one of the Claire Closet’s workshops, visit theclairecloset.com!

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50 Things to do in Kingston: February Edition 2016

There’s plenty happening in Kingston in February – Two film festivals, live theatre with both new and classic stories, musical performances by some of Canada’s best, plenty of excuses to enjoy the brisk outdoors and a ton of learning opportunities for you keeners! Come visit us soon!

Events

1. Enjoy some casual conversation about your latest reads with Book Club with a Difference at Kingston Frontenac Public Library (Various dates at various branches)
2. Test your knowledge at Trivia Night at The Brooklyn (Every Monday)
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5. Kick off CFRC’s 2016 funding drive with the CFRC Soul Shakedown at The Grad Club (February 5)
6. Celebrate Black History Month with a film screening of Dear White People at KFPL Central Branch (February 6)
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8. Have a chat and a crew at Books and Beers for Twentysomethings at the Tir Nan Og (February 8)
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10. Grab your family and get your groove on at The Tett Centre’s First Birthday Daybreaker Dance Party (February 15)
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12. Slip into your semi-formal attire and mask for the Next Gen Masquerade in support of United Way KFLA at the Renaissance Event Venue (February 27)
13. Enjoy coffee and conversation with Books and Beans at Coffeeco Kingston Centre (February 29)

Theatre + Live Performances

14. Enjoy the classic tale of Macbeth Presented by Queen’s School of Music and Drama at The Isabel (Various dates)
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16. Blur the lines between perception and reality with One Night Stand at Domino Theatre (Various dates)
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18. Go see the classic, The Three Musketeers, at The Domino Theatre (February 4 – 6)
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20. Go see Academy Award Winning comedian Steven Wright at The Grand Theatre (February 20)
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Music

22. Enjoy some free music with Hoodie Jack PLUS $2 Taco’s at The Mansion (every Tuesday)
23. Enjoy the sounds of Jon McLurg & Chris Morris at Musiikki Café (every Wednesday)
24. Get your fill of Craig Jones & The 20th Century Band with Jazz Fridays at the Tir Nan Og (every Friday)
25. Learn to sing two songs in harmony with Rabble Singing at the Tir Nan Og (February 1)
26. Check out Big Balade at Le Centre Culturel Frontenac (February 5)
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28. Join the Queen’s Orchestra and talented students, faculty and alumni from Queen’s Music for A Night in Vienna at Grant Hall (February 6)
29. Join in the fun of singing folk songs, camp fire songs, Broadway show tunes and Beatles classics at Sing, Sing a Song at Sydenham Street United Church (February 7)
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31. Check out singer-songwriter Paul Hogeterp’s solo music project, Low Country Hill, at Musiikki Café (February 11)
32. Be impressed by 2 Pianos, 4 Hands at The Isabel (February 11)
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34. Celebrate Chinese New Year with Sounds of the Forbidden City at The Tett Centre (February 13)
35. Experience Corb Lund with the Hurtin’ Albertans at The Grand Theatre (February 18)
36. Grab a pint with some friends and go see Canadian indie rock band Yukon Blonde at Ale House (February 24)
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38. Check out one of the greatest pianists of his generation, Stewart Goodyear at The Isabel (February 28)

Sports & Outdoors

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40. Head to Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area for their Winter Sports PA Day (February 4)
41. Build the ultimate snow fort at the 24-Hour Snow Fort Building Competition (February 4)
42. Take in some hockey at the 30th Annual Carr-Harris Cup at The K-Rock Centre (February 4)
43. Celebrate (the day before) Groundhog Day with the Twosome 5K Run at Winston Churchill PS (February 7)
44. Grab your sweetheart and your skates and head to the Valentine’s Evening Skate at Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area (February 14)
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Hands On

46. Increase your serenity and decrease stress with an 8 Week Mindfulness Program at Janati Yoga School (February 3 – March 23)
47. Join Tim Rosillo for a lively and interactive Life Drawing Class at The Tett Centre (February 4)
48. Learn the essentials of buying and selling on Kijiji at KFPL Isabel Turner Branch (February 4)
49. Learn how to Tablet Weave at The Tett Centre (February 8)
50. Hone your craft at the Poetry Writing Workshop at Kingston Community Health Centre (February 12)

Do you have an event that you would like covered in March’s list of 50 Things to do in Kingston? Send us an email to info@kingstonlobby.com!

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The Reelout Queer Film Festival: A Preview

Friday marks the start of the Reelout film festival (January 29 – February 6), and according to festival executive director Matt Salton, we should anticipate a darker tone to this year’s flicks.

“Don’t expect multi-coloured, rainbow-tinted queer films this year. The force has awakened Reelout’s dark side,” he said in a recent press release.

Organizers have even chosen to dub the 2016 festival “Reelout in the Dark” to suggest the mood of many of the 55 films, which range in genre from documentaries, to comedies, to dramas, and in subject matter from reservation life in Northern Ontario, to class warfare in South Africa, to lesbian romances between sex workers and their clients.

Velociraptor is about two friends — one gay, one undecided — who wander the streets on the eve of an apocalypse (Jan. 30, 2 pm). Photo: Reelout
Velociraptor is about two friends — one gay, one undecided — who wander the streets on the eve of an apocalypse (Jan. 30, 2 pm). Photo: Reelout

Now in its 17th year, this is the first that Reelout has had a theme, but just like years prior, all films will be shown at The Screening Room. And like the Reelout Arts Project’s mandate, the festival aims to celebrate queer media arts and spark dialogue between Kingston’s LGBTQ communities and the larger Kingston community.
There will also be plenty of parties to round out the lineup (four, to be exact) at Sir John’s Public House and The Grad Club. Keep reading for all of the party details, along with a few films you won’t want to miss.

Films

The critically acclaimed Beautiful Something makes its Canadian premiere at the festival (Feb. 3, 9 pm). Photo: Reelout
The critically acclaimed Beautiful Something makes its Canadian premiere at the festival (Feb. 3, 9 pm). Photo: Reelout

It won’t be easy narrowing down the list of 55 films to be screened this year, but the executive director has a couple of pics to help out. One, Beautiful Something (Feb. 3, 9 pm), follows four men on their interlocking searches for sex, art, love and identity in Philadelphia. Another, You’re Killing Me (Feb. 5, 9 pm), is a horror-comedy that shows what happens when an internet star meets a monotone serial killer.
It’s not all dark at this year’s Reelout film festival, though. Take “Salsa Saturday” (Jan. 30), for example, a full day of Spanish language films. “We’re pretty excited about that,” said Salton. “When you’re feeling down in the dumps and you have snow squalls around you can escape to The Screening Room for the day and bask in cinematic sunshine.”
“Salsa Saturday” kicks off at 12 pm with the documentary El Hombre Nuevo, about a Nicaraguan transsexual’s return home, and ends at 9 pm with Estrellas Solitarias, a comedy-drama about drag queens in Mexico City that “mixes the bitchiness of Showgirls with the offensive camp of early John Waters.”
The closing gala selection, Portrait of a Serial Monogamist (Feb. 6, 7 pm), is also a good one to put near the top of your list. A coming-of-middle-age romantic comedy based in Toronto, it follows Elsie as she leaves her long-standing girlfriend to pursue a younger woman. Bonus: the filmmakers will be in attendance.

Parties

The Year We Thought About Love is a documentary that goes behind the scenes of one of the oldest queer youth theatres in America (Feb. 2, 7 pm). Photo: Reelout
The Year We Thought About Love is a documentary that goes behind the scenes of one of the oldest queer youth theatres in America (Feb. 2, 7 pm). Photo: Reelout

Anyone who’s been knows there ain’t no party like a Reelout party, and this year there are four to choose from during the week (or you could just got to all of them).
After seeing the opening film, Fire Song — a can’t miss, but already sold out — head down to Sir John’s Public House and upstairs. The lineup: drinks, food, new friends, old friends, visiting film guests. Free with Fire Song ticket stub or festival pass. (Jan. 29, 10 pm)
If you need more of Sir John’s, and a lot of diva, check back the next night for “Broadway Divas,” where four drag queens will use two shows to bring the golden days of Broadway back to life. (Jan. 30, 7 pm: $12. 10 pm: $15)
Reelout’s party climax should be “Soul Shakedown: CFRC Edition” at The Grad Club the following Friday. DJ Seditious, DJ Tomatillo and others will be there spinning everything from hip hop, to neo-soul, to Nigerian boogie. You’ll be supporting community radio, too: all proceeds go towards CFRC 101.9 FM’s funding drive. (Feb. 5. $8 before 10:30 pm, $10 after)
It’ll be hard to hold back at Soul Shakedown, but leave a little in the tank for the closing gala dance party at The Grad Club, where Toronto DJ Sigourney Beaver will be ending things with a blend of indie, hip hop, dancehall, and garage rock. $10 or free with Portrait of a Serial Monogamist ticket stub. (Feb. 6, 10 pm)
For the full Reelout festival lineup and ticket info, head to reelout.com.

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Inside Scoop: Trailhead’s James Malcolm

If there was a list of people most qualified to give advice on where to go for outdoor winter adventure in and around Kingston, James Malcolm’s name might top it.
Since 2004 he’s owned Trailhead Kingston, one of this city’s go-to sources of outdoor gear and guidance, but since he could walk outdoor adventure has played a big role in his life.
Growing up in Cornwall, Ontario, he and his family would often take month-long camping trips to provincial parks. “I remember when I was maybe 10, my dad would have us white-water paddling, wearing rubber boots and handwashing gloves in March,” he says with a laugh.
His first piece of advice for anyone thinking of getting outside over the next few months: embrace the winter:

“You can’t say, ‘Ah, I hate winter.’ You really have to try it. The winter’s not going anywhere, and every year it’s coming back. So how can you look at it in a positive way?”

Read on for more of his advice on where to ski, snowshoe and skate around Kingston, as well as info on Trailhead rentals and their moonlit snowshoe outings.

For those who’ve never experienced the outdoors in and around Kingston, what should they know?

Because we’re affected by Lake Ontario, the volume of snow we get can be limited. Cross-country skiing isn’t fun on glare ice, but you can snowshoe on it. But then the question might be, why bother when I can walk, especially when there’s not that much snow? I would suggest that although the snowshoe is designed for flotation on the snow, the crampon on the modern design allows for incredible grip. And the snowshoe is everybody’s friend — we use a little saying here: “If you can hike, you can snowshoe.”

So where are your favourite spots near Kingston to snowshoe?

Anywhere I would hike I would snowshoe. I like Rock Dunder in the summertime, and I like it in the winter. The view is outstanding there, and the trail is awesome. But when the ice is in, I’d say just go along the edge of a lake. It’s great for viewing wildlife, and if there’s any snow buildup, it’s right there along the shore. There’s also a place we support financially called Gananoque Trail, which lies between Kingston and Gananoque parallel to the 401. It’s a great series of trails that are used infrequently, and I love going there.

How about cross-country skiing? Which spots top your list?

First choice would be Little Cataraqui. It’s got 10 kilometres of groomed trail, which is good for a little community with little snow. Lemoine Point is popular because it’s easy access from the north and south. And unless you like going out at dawn, you’ll likely be following somebody else’s trail there, so it’s groomed in a way. Because Frontenac Park is fairly hilly, it wouldn’t be your first choice for somebody who’s new. For somebody who is reasonably comfortable with their balance, it’s a fantastic place to spend a full day. There’s so much trail out there.

And for those who want to strap on the blades and go for a skate — where would you send them?

Skating is really popular here, so come on in to Trailhead, rent a pair and just go down to Market Square. Or in a typical cold winter, they could access any one of the outdoor rinks in town [there are 13]. So there’s lots of opportunity without even going out onto the lake, but when the lake does freeze, it’s spectacular.

James hitting the ice for some hockey with his family.
James hitting the ice for some hockey with his family.

 

What can you tell us about Trailhead’s outings this winter?

We actually plan them when we know the snow is here, but they’re evening events and we schedule them for full moons, so we’re probably looking at something for early February and early March. We supply the snowshoes and a little snack. We just ask people to bring a headlamp, and off we go to a little spot north of town off Unity Road. It’s a two-hour outing, and for a lot of people, it’s just so foreign to do it at night, but they love it. Last year we were also able to have a fire to warm up.
For more info on these outings and Trailhead in general, head to trailheadkingston.ca.

Trailhead Winter Rentals

Snowshoes: $15/day, $30/weekend
Cross-country skis: $20/day, $40/weekend, $75/week
Skates: $10/3 hours, $15/24 hours

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The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

Kingston is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting a number of outdoor clubs; including hiking, paddling, climbing and bike riding specific groups. We have a handful of locally owned stores that all promote being outside; be it hiking, paddling, skiing, camping or cycling. We have many green spaces places to explore; Frontenac Park, four conservation areas under the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority, The Cataraqui Trail, The Rideau Trail and The K&P Trail to name but just a few.
And every year for the past 20 or so, The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is brought to town by Trailhead. I have had the pleasure of organizing this epic film festival’s stop in Kingston since 2003. This year, we have not one, but two nights (January 16 & 17) where we bring the spirit of outdoor adventure and mountain culture to The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts.
This year’s World Tour features the best mountain films this year, showcasing amazing filmmaking talent from the world over to an audience that spans the globe.
Immediately following the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival, held annually in November (it just celebrated it’s 40th year!) in Banff, Alberta, a selection of the top films submitted to the Festival go on a tour around the world. Host organizations in each tour location help to choose a program that reflects the interests of their community, creating a unique celebration of adventure and adventurers at each stop. The World Tour spans the globe, reaching over 430,000 audience members.
People often ask what kind of films they can expect to see at the show. The Tour features a collection of exhilarating and provocative films that explore life in the mountains. They highlight remote cultures, intense expeditions into exotic landscapes and bring adrenaline-packed action sports into sharp focus.
The selection process is no easy task. There are 30 films that go on tour, and from them we select what we think our audience here in Kingston will enjoy. And no, we don’t get to see all the movies first!  But, I can share a taste at what you can expect:
If you’re Chasing Niagara, paddling the waterfalls in Mexican rain forests and the U.S. Northwest are simply practice runs.

© Marcus Ferro, Chasing Niagara
© Marcus Ferro, Chasing Niagara

Denali is a moving tribute to a four-legged best friend and companion who was always there, until he wasn’t.
The Hardrock 100 mile race is legendary and among those who race it, the aid station named Kroger’s Canteen, perched on a tiny ledge at 13,000 feet, epitomizes the spirit of the hardest race in the world.
Completing the Fitz Traverse in Patagonia has fuelled the imaginations of climbers for decades, but only Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold managed to complete A Line Across the Sky in an epic five-day push.

© Austin Siadak, A Line Across the Sky
© Austin Siadak, A Line Across the Sky

Four young men and a pack of wild horses make their way across the American West in Unbranded.

© Ben Masters, Unbranded
© Ben Masters, Unbranded

The record for a Women’s Speed Ascent on The Nose on El Capitan was ready to be challenged, and it only took two climbers a few attempts to crush it.

© John Dickey Women's Speed Ascent
© John Dickey Women’s Speed Ascent

The best part of hosting the World Tour is being able to witness a community of film buffs and lovers of the outdoors come together to share stories, be inspired to set out on new adventures and learn about the mountains they love. You will always connect with old friends and make new ones at the World Tour screenings. That’s the best part!

Are you searching for a new adventure? Try sailing, kayaking, and more in Kingston!

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Unique Night Out: Improbable Escapes

“Your boss set you up. You have one hour to get out of this room, AND prove your innocence.” She closes the door. We hear the click of the lock.

I look around the room. There is a wardrobe in one corner, and under the window there’s a desk with a book, a phone and an old tea set on it. I look helplessly around the room at my co-workers. We’re all handcuffed to the wall.

It’s our staff night out, and the boss has not really set us up, but instead has treated us to an evening at Improbable Escapes.  He is actually in the other room with the rest of the team trying to figure their own way out of whatever pickle they have gotten themselves into. My team (there are 5 of us) are playing the game called “The Office” and all we have been told is that we have been set up, and we have an hour before the police arrive. In that time, we must escape and prove our innocence. But first, we must unshackle ourselves from the walls.

It takes some time (and perhaps a small clue from the outside) but once we calm down, and observe our surroundings, we figure it out, and quickly unlock all of the handcuffs. We are then faced with a safe that we must crack the code for, hopefully our next clue is inside this safe.

Improbable Escapes opened up on Brock Street this summer, bringing the first real-life escape room game to Kingston. The idea is that people (ideally 2-6) are locked together in a room and have to use the elements of the room to solve a series of puzzles, find clues and escape the room within a set time. We have been told that our room has a 24% escape rate.

With another small nudge from our “co-worker on the outside who can only help a little bit as she is being watched by the boss” we crack the code and open the lock box, which gives us a key to unlock a door… leading us into yet another room. It appears that the FBI has been keeping an eye on our boss, but we are not out of the woods yet. We do manage to get out of this room, but as we are in what we believe to be our final room, our time is up. We didn’t escape, nor prove our innocence.

We gather with the rest of our team (they too were not successful in solving their game “The Great Escape”) but they had just as much fun and puzzlement as we did.  We all are eager to return, and experience more of Improbable Escapes, but first we must head over to Sir John A’s pub for a well deserved pint, and discover that it’s wing night! And I may add, that they are some of the best wings I’ve had in Kingston.

If you’re looking for a fun, unique outing, I would highly recommend trying out Improbable Escapes, I’m planning on getting locked in with my family sometime soon.

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Kingston Holiday Gift Guide: For the Traveller

It is through travelling that we gain a greater appreciation of the world we live in. Take advantage of this season to go out and explore! Whether you’re adventuring to the next town or flying across the country, be sure to take a peek at the top travel picks that Kingston shops have to offer.

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Toiletries from UNDR for Men

Gentlemen, are you ready to hit the road? Check out UNDR for Men providing a unique one-stop-shop for men. Undr has an amazing atmosphere that provides for a diverse clientele. Always Bearded is a brand focused on providing the best products for the modern bearded man on the move. Check out the travel-sized options and grooming sets and brushes.

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Check out the Beard Balm and Beard Oil that you can put right in your travel pack. A beautiful balm blend of eucalyptus + lime with distilled pine scotch will leave you smelling like a king this Christmas.

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Get cozy and stylish as you put on the Abaka Bamboo long tee. Make your travels more enjoyable this Christmas travels while being in the comfort of the soft bamboo long tee.

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Journals from Novel Idea

Document the beautiful moments while travelling this Christmas season. There is nothing better than having a journal to keep track of the wonderful Christmas memories with family and friends. Check out Novel Idea’s Moleskin Journals — they’re beautiful and come in many different sizes and colours.

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A Little Piece of Kingston from Whit

Whit brings so much to the fashion scene here in Kingston. You will be forever amazed by the local spirit and incredible designs on offer here, especially the Kingston-branded toques and sweaters (perfect for identifying yourself as a proud Kingstonian on your adventures.)
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Before you head out on a day trip, consider stopping in and check out the amazing collection of Hershel Backpacks. The backpacks feature a wide range of pockets to keep your journey organized and dry.

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Travel Guides from Novel Idea

Start with learning and loving the Canada you live in. Allow Novel Idea’s Lonely Planet Canada to guide you into the secret dwellings of our beautiful country.

Thank you to all the Kingston boutiques for taking the time to share in the awesome of their local products and collections for the wandering traveller this season.
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Kingston Gift Guide: For the Creative

Gift the creative soul with a thoughtful gift that inspires them to create something beautiful! Check out these ideas from Kingston’s local art shops and artists! Shopping in Kingston gives you the chance to surprise the creative spirits in your life with beautiful, local and thoughtful gifts. Thank you to all the incredible artists of Kingston for sharing your beautiful work with all of us.

Supplies from Art Noise

artnoise.ca
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Meet the incredible owner/father Steve and sons Evan and Simon Ginsberg, as they showcase the new art store Art Noise here in Kingston.
“It’s especially exciting because the store is reopening after twenty years with the finest quality, exclusive and specific art products that you will not find anywhere else.” – Steve Ginsberg
A new set of paintbrushes is the perfect starting point for the creative in your life. Not to mention they have a great selection of canvasses to choose from.
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Graphic T’s from Bombshell

253 Princess Street
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Meet the beautiful couple Megan & Matt Davis as they spend the day shopping around Kingston. They love going to Bombshell because of the vast selection BUT most importantly because of the incredibly talented owner and designer, Shannon.

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Consider gifting your creative family or friends with a personalized piece of clothing – Bombshell has a wonderful selection of sizes and different styles to choose from. Shannon will work closely with you to customize the perfect look, just for you.

Photography Gear from Camera Kingston

camerakingston.com
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Always wanted to be a photographer? Start the adventure this year and check out Camera Kingston’s favourite pick of the year: Nikon Cool Pix 69900.
“People like to have options and [the Nikon Cool Pix 69900] is perfect because it has both manual and automatic controls, variable zoom, articulating screen so you can protect and do selfies. It also has various angles, shelter from sunlight and works well inside and outside. It is also incredibly fast. It is the all-purpose camera for the artist.” – James Dobbin

Jewelry from Whitney Haynes

whitneyhaynes.ca
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There is nothing more special than giving a beautiful piece of jewelry to your loved ones – and now you have the chance to choose from a beautiful variety of birch jewelry, sourced right from the fallen pieces in the forest.
Meet Whitney Haynes. She is the designer and artist of the birch jewelry collection.
“My first piece of jewelry was a birch cuff for my sister, Heather.” After people saw Whitney’s amazing design they too wanted to order a piece of jewelry and orders continued to grow into a entire collection.

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“Birch Bark has been a long time favourite of mine, the Birch used in my pieces has been collected by me from the forest floor of Lake Opinicon.  I have been spending summers on this beautiful lake north of Kingston, Ontario since I was a young child.If you are looking for a special gift with special meaning or love all things nature or love simple elegance I am sure you will enjoy this line I have created.” – Whitney Haynes

 

Paintings + Prints from Heather Haynes

heatherhaynes.com

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Maybe you’ve walked downtown and passed the beautiful Heather Haynes Tree Series paintings. Heather is most recognized across the globe for her unique tree paintings. This evolving series is showcased all over Canada, USA and Europe. Bring some colour to your gift giving and celebrate the beautiful local art. If not a painting, check out the tree series printed on pillows. Gift someone with a beautiful touch of art for his or her couch.
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Journals + Notepads from Midori

midorigifts.com

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You will be amazed by the beautiful collection of stationary and unique selection in Kingston’s Midori. Here you will find the perfect notepad for the list maker and the leather bound journal for the writer.
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“The notepads and adult colouring books are wonderful for stress management and they’re perfect for relaxing over the holiday. It’s the perfect alternative to doodling”. – Christine Smith, Employee
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Midori also has a wonderful selection of high-end colouring pencils that you can choose to gift with any of the journals or colouring books.
Shopping in Kingston gives you the chance to surprise the creative spirits in your life with beautiful, local and thoughtful gifts. Thank you to all the incredible artists of Kingston for sharing your beautiful work with all of us.
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Kingston Holiday Gift Guide: For the Foodie

We all have them on our shopping lists: foodies. Friends and family who are miracle workers in the kitchen, use only the finest ingredients and appreciate the best local fare. So what’s the perfect way to wish them a happy holiday?

Well, you can start with some of these great gift ideas! Make your way to Kingston this weekend for some shopping and cross the foodies off your list.

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Oils & Salts from Kingston Olive Oil Co.

Located in the heart of downtown Kingston, you will find the finest extra virgin olive oil that the world has to offer. Kingston Olive Oil Company is a family run business that has brought their love of travel and good food to your Christmas season.

Michelle Rogers, an employee at Kingston Olive Oil highly recommends gifting your family and friends by pairing the Tuscan Herb olive oil and the Fig Olive Oil. “The Tuscan herb is a nicely balanced blend of herbs infused in the oils and is a versatile oil used from bread to salads.” And the best part? They provide samples for all of their olive oils.

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Kingston Olive Oil Company also has an amazing selection of gourmet sea salts. Go check out the Christmas season favourite Smoked Garlic & Onion Sea Salt.

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Put together a basket or gift family and friends kitchen with a blend of natural sea salt, onion, and minced garlic that is smoked naturally over Alderwood. To discover more of their season treats check out their website!

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Essentials from Glenburnie Grocery

2454 Perth Road

If you want some old fashioned service, take a drive out to the cottage styled Glenburnie Grocer. Mark Rickards, owner and operator of the local grocer does an incredible job supporting both the local farmers and industry. You will find a delightful selection of local honey, 100% maple syrup and unique local cheese flavours. There is nothing better than gifting a piece of Kingston family history with a few of Glenburnie’s seasonal favourites.

Gift a little taste of genuine artisan cheese with some Black River Cheese, for a delightful cheese board, handcrafted in Prince Edward County since 1901.

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Gift something sweet with Pure Ontario Honey: unpasteurized honey is the perfect to gift for the tea drinker and a wonderful sweetener for your seasonal dish. R.C. Stevenson & Father since 1958.

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Gift something truly Canadian with Temple’s Sugar Bush Maple Syrup: start their weekend with delicious pancakes and maple syrup. Gift some local love with a 100% pure maple syrup made right in our very own Lanark County.

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Treats from Bread & Butter Bakery

You will not be disappointed once you step into Kingston’s finest west end Bread & Butter Bakery. Within moments the bakery was flooded with people excited to pick up their holiday treats. Meet the customers and bakers’ favourites for this season!

Special for this season is the Limestone Organic Creamery Egg Nog. Undeniably it is the best egg nog in town. It’s especially tasty with Bread & Butter’s homemade muesli bars and oatcakes. For something extra special, you will also find beautiful hand made cloths by Tranquility Knits and Christmas art cards.

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“We don’t have a bakery in Belleville so we come here for the variety and homemade pies, cookies and eclairs.” – Jean & Stan Czyczyro

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“I’ve bought for many years the chocolate squares with raspberries. They’re so good right out of the freezer and perfect at room temperature.” With a laugh, she admits: “They’re addictive and hard to ration out. Perfect for company.” — Cheryl Stevenson on Bread & Butter’s Chocolate Squares

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“My favourite are the Macaroons. They’re freakin’ good. They’re pretty and they’re quick and fun to serve. Never a disappointment. Everyone has fun making them. It’s the first thing people are drawn to in the store.” — Paulette Vanduinen on Bread & Butter’s Macaroons

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Goodies from Cooke’s Fine Foods & Coffee

Cookes Fine Foods & Coffee has just celebrated their 150th anniversary. The second oldest Kingston business started out by sending gift baskets during World War II. Here you will also find the best coffee and world famous cheese. You will find both local and imported and Canadian specialty items you can’t find anywhere but you can put them all together here.

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Chez Piggy Coffee: A little bit of Kingston with a strong taste where they roast their own beans off-site. Once you smell the Chez Piggy you will want to take it home.

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Two-Year-Old Cheddar Cheese:  Specially made for Cooke’s by an independent local cheesemaker, Cooke’s two-year-old cheddar cheese is great on its own, in a sandwich and pairs nicely with red pepper jelly.

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Kitchenware from Hendrix
hendrixequip.com

Hendrix Kingston’s finest shop for cooking ware and specialty items that you will only find here. Meet supervisor Kevin O’Connor. “This is where the chefs shop. It’s the classic pot. It’s from 1925, the same as your grandmother’s pot. It’s a generational piece for the kitchen.”
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Owner John Sinclair
Take a drive over to Cataraqui Street where you will find brothers John and Michael Sinclair and owners of Living Rooms.
Living Rooms was born from a desire to move away from our exposure to harmful chemicals in the home. The title speaks for itself. You truly are walking into a living room with a warm fireplace, delicious coffee and treats amongst several locally crafted items for the kitchen and home. Take a peek at the beautifully designed cheese boards from reclaimed wood sourced out of Brockville.
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Cookbooks and More from Novel Idea

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Employees Jeff Barbeau & Neil Hobkirk
Get inspired this Christmas season and step into the world of the internationally acclaimed Canadian chef, Jamie Kennedy. Head downtown Kingston and check out Kennedy’s beautiful cookbook dedicated to local, seasonal, sustainable and his relentless pursuit to celebrate Canada’s culinary culture. This cookbook is known for its devotion to Canada’s farm-to-table, slow food and local food movements. You will surprise and delight anyone on your list with The Jamie Kennedy Cookbook.
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Gourmet Gift Baskets from General Brock’s Commissary

Head downtown to Brock Street and spoil your loved one with a gift basket full of gourmet locally produced products exclusively from Upper and Lower Canada. Choose from a bountiful assortment of gourmet mustards, artisan cheese, fudge, candies, chocolates and more to create an awesome gift any foodie would look forward to devouring. Named in honour of General Sir Isaac Brock The Hero of Upper Canada, the store is just steps away from the city’s original commissary.